Ride the Wild Wind: Tri-Empire, #3

By L. E. Thissell

The exciting conclusion to the Tri-Empire Saga!
Into the darkness of an unknown region of space, travels the Prophet. Fleeing once again from devastation and almost certain death, Billy and his friends follow Off-World Captain to an unknown destination and are flung headlong into a daunting future.
The storm no longer threatens, but is now blowing full force. As the Wind of Time blossoms from prophecy to revelation, the Tri-Empire civilization begins to crumble from internal insurrections and inter-Empire conflict.
Chaos and despair pursue the W*Trikan Royal House and the Terrans, united against a common foe. Their only security is a mysterious, nearly incomprehensible, people who might be a greater threat than that which lies behind them.
The tides of Galactic Prophecy surge and swirl, hurricane winds batter and toss as the Prophet now must follow his heart and grasp one remaining hope, and Ride the Wild Wind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L. E. Thissell
• Release date: Dec 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798224805303

Book preview

Three eyes are blind, and none shall rest.

– W*Trikan 2nd Scroll of Descent

The Flow shall choose a Strong Voice.

– SSSouk’k Oracle of Initiate

When the Wind shakes, shall come a Guide. Only One may walk.

– W*Trikan 4th Song of Connection

The Dij shall be as fuel, until the Fire does restore.

– Vaji Time Etching of the Join Release

Part One

Deep within the Vaji Network, more distant from that Empire’s borders than the distance across the SSSouk’k and W*Trikan Empires combined, was the Vaji home world. This was the heart, the origin, of the Vaji Empire. This was First-Nest.

The Vaji had no records to indicate when the first individual leg, or Dij, had joined with others to create the first Vaj. The resultant quad-member entities had no concept of gender, no pronoun to specify individuals other than the singular di/dis for each Dij and va/vas for each Vaj.

Within all the Sacred Etching tiles there was not even the faintest hint of when First-Nest had been unified. That was a time when the four Vaji Hive-Primes became subordinate to the Over-Hive, led by one Over-Vaj; First-Nest Over-Prime. The most ancient of these crystalline tiles were created far back beyond the veil of antiquity and nearly indecipherable due to their archaic runes. They gave only vague tantalizing clues of when the Vaji had expanded into space beyond First-Nest and colonized Second-Nest.

At present there were nearly one thousand Nests comprising the Network. The Network was divided into quadrants. Each of those four regions anchored at First-Nest and each was subdivided into sixteen sectors. The largest sector within the Network held nearly fifty Nests, the smallest a mere seven. Each Nest was delineated by Quadrant-Sector-Nest, in order of colonization. Second-Nest was of Quadrant 1, Sector 1 and was 2nd Nest. Therefore, its official designation was 1-1-2. There was no 1-1-1; First Nest was unique with its simple appellation of ‘First-Nest’.

The Vaji subjugated any and all other species within their vast territory. Sentient creatures were granted general autonomy within very clear and strict guidelines. There was an implicit understanding that when First-Nest commanded, all would promptly obey or be destroyed. The last race to show defiance had been exterminated shortly thereafter. None had dared to rebel, or even hesitate, in the thousands of years since.

The Vaji expected, demanded and cherished Unison of Purpose – Unity is Harmony; Harmony is All.

∞

At about the same time that the humans had fled Earth on the SSSouk’k freighter, First-Nest Prime stood on the Prime balcony and looked out across First-Nest Over-Meet, the seat of the Over-Hive’s administration. Va regarded the constant bustling activity, flowing streams of movement that never slowed, never ceased. The lanes, bridges and tiers were swarming with every possible variation of Vaj, every Hive well represented within this pinnacle of Vaji Culture.

Prime. An assistant pulled Prime’s attention away from the Meet. Here is the expected scent-pod.

Prime shifted attention to the lens facing the assistant and twisted a tentacle, beckoning va closer. Value a signal, Prime directed. Discover the image. Another tentacle indicated the scent-pod laying on the data platform, where it had been placed moments before. It had been sent by the Prime of 2-9-39th Nest. This Nest was the inhabited planet nearest to the border with W*Trik, and the center of Sector administration. Release this truth.

Yes, Prime. The attendant stepped sideways and lifted the pod. Two lessers.

Prime smoothly sidled to the lip of the open balcony, again regarding the unceasing movement far below. Va settled into a rest posture, the out-facing Dij draping two of dis three toes, short strong prehensile support appendages, over the edge.

Prime focused concentration towards Senior Dij, sensing a waft of unease. Second Recent Dij trembled a corresponding thought of concern, then both Senior and Second Recent subsided into the Meld. Layers of shifting thoughts drifted and combined until a consensus was achieved. This took less than a miniscule portion of a breath.

Prime considered this unease, and delicately allowed Recent Dij to extend a reaction. Recent was hesitant for a barely noticeable pause, which was very lengthy and contemplative for a Dij. For a moment, a drift of dissent wove into the concern and then diffused back into the Prime Meld.

Second Senior raised a brief caution about conflicting comprehensions, and then allowed the Meld to blanket the unease. Prime gently but firmly gathered the nuances from the individual member consciousnesses and soothed their discomfort. The Meld smoothed their emotions until a proper attunement was achieved.

Prime. The subordinate interrupted Prime’s reverie. The pod is open.

Prime swiftly moved to a spot directly in front of the scent-wall, and waited while the attendant activated the message. The four legs again relaxed into a rest posture as the first waves of fragrance in conjunction with audio reached Prime, and images began to display.

The message was terse and compelling, and troubling in its implications. 2-9-39th Prime relayed information about a recent foray by the SSSouk’k into W*Trikan space, and the first rumbling hints of internal unease within the W*Trikan Imperial Domain.

Prime remained huddled, seemingly at ease, while the Meld and each individual Dij contemplated this unsettling development. Prime again, more forcefully this time, settled the threads of unease that wafted from Senior and Second Recent.

Abruptly coming to a decision, Prime beckoned the attendant again. Expose this message to all Primes. Value a response, and all new motions of Vaji concerns. Prime hesitated, a rarity for a Vaj. Direct 2-9-39, and also 2-9-28 and 2-8-14, to seek further than usual, with quivering hairs.

Yes, Prime. The attendant hurried to comply.

Prime again moved to the balcony and looked out across Over-Meet. The unceasing flow was hypnotic, soothing, belying the distant rumors of impending disruption.

Prime strengthened Second Senior’s input, gently drawing di to prominence in the Meld. One area of authority for Second Senior’s Order Hive was developing interactions with non-Vaji species.

Second Senior extended dis focus into the Meld. Di began relaying information about the more specific aspects of trade and information gathering, with both the W*Trikans and, to a much lesser extent, the SSSouk’k. The underlying message was that this new data was not new, unexpected or especially disturbing.

Recent, abruptly in the habitual style of the Power Hive, joined Second Senior’s focus. Di blended thoughts into the Meld about the improbability of this information causing any Vaji military reaction, that the indicated agitation escalating between and within their alien, barely-comprehensible, neighbors was of very low importance. Recent, less subtly than Second Senior, also indicated that this data was neither new nor unexpected.

Again, this internal exchange was brief, only lasting for a few seconds. When the sharing was finished, Senior and Second Recent unleashed a joint rebuttal, a shockingly scathing internal rebuke that was very rare for any Vaj. Second Recent, with the calm confidence associated with the Craft Hive, lifted a clear image of wide-spread subtle discontent from the common laborers and crafters, many times more numerous than all the other Hives combined.

Second Senior pushed back with a barrage of thoughts and images. Di emphasized a thread of knowledge that showed a vibrant and productive stream throughout, and into, the Network of not just needed materials, but much-desired luxuries. Recent joined this focus, and then dominated it, with supporting emphasis on the military superiority of the Power Hive, efficient and strong.

Senior, with the strength of will that was a formidable aspect of the Time Hive, overrode the backlash from Recent and mentally blared an intense warning. Even dis ally Second Recent recoiled from the insistent jarring dissonance. All three Dij were buffeted by Senior’s ominous reminder of ancient Time Hive Etchings that referred to a situation similar to that unfolding in the present. Senior heightened dis warning with an almost audible hiss of alarm about arrogant refusal to consider the possibility of unrecognized vulnerability.

Prime, deeply shaken by the jolting discord, fiercely clamped down on all four members. Va huddled in deep dismay, exerting uncompromising control until the waves of rancorous thoughts were subdued into placid acquiescence. Va remained motionless for long minutes, contemplating this unnerving experience.

A lone attendant watched from a distance, discrete but alert. The distress displayed by Prime was concerning, but not a new phenomenon. These episodes, lately increasing in frequency and intensity, were a topic of corner-conversations amongst the aides.

Disharmony between the Dij had, for over a year, slowly worsened until frequent friction, instead of the harmonious blending that characterized healthy Vaj thought, had become the norm. Senior and Second Recent had such a marked difference of perspective from that of Second Senior and Recent, that Prime knew this was indicative of wide-spread Hive disaffection, not just individual Dij issues.

Prime recognized a brittle tautness in the Meld, a recurrent vague unease that had grown over the last several phases, or months, into a constant apprehension. Va, with more sadness than anxiety, suddenly realized that if this continued the Meld could not survive, that it would dissipate. That va would no longer be an entity, just a physical joining of disparate minds, had become a very distinct possibility.

Some time passed as Prime quietly sipped small light draughts of thought from each Dij, setting aside for the moment va’s normal tasks and responsibilities. Each Dij, independently intelligent and aware, was quick to acknowledge Prime’s imperative request for restraint and Unity.

Eventually Prime rose, as the immediate urgency of this flare-up faded, and left the room. Va thoughtfully strode along an adjoining hallway and into a wide court that faced the setting sun. Va contemplated the swirls of fluorescent tints that glowed and shimmered as the slanting rays of sunlight filtered through the methane-rich atmosphere.

As darkness encroached upon Over-Meet, Vaj eye-orbs shifted from day-sight to night-sight. Prime watched the fading horizon for a short while as the rich colors faded, and until the first stars glimmered. Prime then made va’s way to the council chamber. The various Hive messengers were due shortly.

The first to arrive was Craft Hive. Prime and the messenger both settled into their respective joining cradles. Prime and Second Recent released their physical coupling and, assisted by the attendants, Second Recent rose and shuffled to the Craft Vaj.

One Craft Dij released and moved a short distance away, stolidly patient as Second Recent leaned closer and joined with the awaiting Vaj. Even when the connection was complete, there was a constant awareness of separation. Only permanent joining brought a Dij into the Meld.

The exchange of information lasted for a mere minute or less. It could be explained as a combination of business concerns and social gossip. Nuances of policy, both Network and Hive, were explored and areas of interest were discussed.

When finished with their council, Second Recent and the Craft Vaj released their mutual link. Second Recent returned to Prime and rejoined, both physically and mentally. The Craft messenger, once va’s Dij had reconnected, lifted from the cradle and left the room.

As soon as Craft had left the room, the messenger from Order Hive entered. The council scenario was repeated, and repeated again with Power and Time Hive messengers, until all exchanges were complete. The last messenger left, and Prime was once again whole, the Meld intact. Va left the council chamber and returned to the Prime balcony, settling into a rest position.

Adhering to a ritual older than all memory, Prime retreated into an observance status and let each Dij become dominant in dis turn, from Senior to most Recent. So steeped in tradition was this formal internal council, it had become second nature and occurred without thought to process. Senior, as dis title implied, had the longest tenure of joining, and was the first to share. Honoring tradition, no Dij would interrupt another during this semi-phasic report.

I desire Unity, Senior began. "Our differing views of policy, and even our lack of agreement about what is important, have become alarming. In the many years, from when I was Recent until now, that I have been Joined as Over-Prime I have never experienced such opposing perceptions.

Each of us, di stressed, "has a different understanding about what bit of information is significant and even when we agree that it is important, we squabble over why it is important. And even then, when we agree on those particulars, we disagree about what to do, and then about when to do it.

Time Prime, di continued, "has informed me that va has been given several reports of Time Drifts. These have not been experienced for many thousands of years, since before we first encountered W*Trik. These have a significance far beyond what most understand, not just for Vaji but for the interactions between the Network, the SSSouk’k and the W*Trikans.

"And, there are even more instances lately of Vaj dissolution. Within the Time Hive, these have been most frequently caused by friction between Time and Power Dij.

"Customary Unions are falling apart, Hives are becoming isolated. Time Prime is very concerned, and suggests that First-Nest Prime is ignoring the harsh potential for turmoil throughout the Network, both from within and without.

I request that we explore all possibilities without friction, that Over-Prime gives this the urgency it demands, when we have all reported. There are other considerations, other concerns, but they can wait. Senior hesitated for one quick moment, then finalized with one last thought. Unity is All.

Second Senior commenced after a slight pause. Unity is All, di echoed. "Order Prime is also deeply concerned, but from a different eye. Va agrees that Over-Prime does not seem to have balance or effective Meld.

"Decisions are not soothing conflict, not allowing smooth movement between Hives. This is what is causing Vaj dissolution. This is what is important.

"Order Prime keeps va’s Meld focused on the scent of exchange and proper supply, and there is no reason to imagine what is not there. No other Hive has more quivering hairs toward the SSSouk’k and W*Trik than Order, no other Hive has nearly as much experience with their strange ways.

"There is no indication that any problems within, and between, those two will impact the Network beyond the loss of a few replaceable items. The Network has always kept distance from the others, except when it profits Vaji, and we should continue.

Their problems, finished Second Senior, are not ours, and ours are not theirs.

Second Recent began with a troubling thought. "Unity is All, and yet we have no Unity. Craft Prime is also very troubled; Hive Vaj are almost constantly having to realign purpose because Vaj from other Hives are losing cohesion and the new Melds are unaware of previous Harmony.

"Craft Hive has very few Vaj problems but we know that, unlike the other Hives, Craft Vaj are generally core, all Craft Dij, so conflict is minimal. Almost all other Vaj are complex and are demonstrating more Meld friction every day.

"First-Nest has not yet seen much of this trend, but the more distant Nests are seeing a growing problem and are becoming very concerned. When those Hive-Primes become concerned, so does Craft Prime. And so should Over-Prime.

"We are not an impulsive Hive; this you know. We are the bedrock upon which the Network was formed; we are the designers, builders, movers and maintainers.

If, as I am sure Recent will also report, all of our Primes are shivering, Over-Prime must also. And we are Over-Prime, Second Recent emphasized. Di ended with a strain of caution. We must respond to reality, not what we used to know and what we desire. Whether we agree or disagree on cause and cure, we must at least recognize that there is a problem. These concerns will not heal themselves.

Recent rushed to begin, a barely perceptible hint of silence between dis and Second Recent’s report. "Yes, Power Prime is concerned, but much more about the lack of confidence in our strength and commitment to protecting Vaji everywhere, than anything else.

We, di boasted, "have no equal even if all others joined against us. What concerns should we grasp when we can throttle any and all enemies?

"Vaj dissolutions are happening because of a lack of focus by Over-Prime upon structure and tradition. The Network has no need to involve with SSSouk’k or W*Trik problems; we have no problems if we stand in Unity and disregard those bizarre people. They are to be ignored or seized; Power Hive, as recorded in our Etchings, urged their conquest when we first encountered them. There should be no interests except Vaji. That is the way of Power.

"Time Hive speaks of Time Drifts. This is babble, and has no leg with reality. Vague could-bes and intangible sensings have no place in decisions. We see, smell, taste, feel; all else is of no importance.

"Should we have any awe that Time and Power Dij cannot Meld? Power Dij have not changed; Time Dij are becoming unstable and reduce Vaj effectiveness, and Craft Dij are becoming hesitant. We have no such problem with Power and Order Melds.

Perhaps that should be the new way of Hives. Vaji must, and will, remain strong. We have no equal. To ponder anything else is to quiver hairs at the Void.

When Recent ended dis report, Prime again gathered the Dij consciousnesses and smoothed the Meld. Va rose and made vas way to the soak.

On the way, Prime shielded vas inner thoughts, an ability that no individual Dij was aware existed. Va was profoundly troubled by the turmoil. Each Dij had an equal influence upon the Meld, and the discordance was becoming more than friction. Prime considered, yet again, the distinct potential for dissolution.

Va eased into the slow eddies of the soak pool. The swirling cleansing currents also soothed the soreness that always accompanied the separation and reintegration of a Dij.

The physical discomfort was far more pronounced after a Hive council, when all four Dij were uncoupled and reintegrated within just a few lessers. The Dij became somnolent, as the warmth melted the discomfort away and their minds relaxed into a placid state.

Prime, unlike the Dij, was always aware and alert. As the member bodies slipped into sleep, va considered vas options and tried to formulate a course of action. Every line of thought, every potential strategy, soon ran into a quagmire of disastrous consequences and was quickly discarded.

Prime, for the first time in vas long existence, knew a sudden surge of despair, a vertiginous feeling as if va was slipping down a cliff face into a dark bottomless chasm. This, va thought, with a palpable sense of anxiety, is not going to end well.

∞

The phases passed. After that tumultuous council, each Over-Prime Dij had been conscientious to avoid a repeat of such a flagrant outburst. Prime knew, better than they, that the underlying issues had not abated. In fact, the flare-ups continued, just at a much reduced intensity.

However, Over-Prime was relieved that va could now expend more thought and focus toward managing the increasing turmoil around the Network than dealing with such sapping internal opposition. With supreme effort, va was able to reduce the friction that was such a significant factor in Vaj dissolutions. A masterfully adroit manipulation of Hive-Primes, a skill which had enabled va to become First-Nest Over-Prime originally, brought a calming guidance to the strident disunity that still threatened to explode into out-of-control inter-Hive struggles.

Such internecine confrontations had not been experienced in the Network for millennia. Prime surreptitiously counseled with Time Dij far more often than the other three, aware that these extraordinary Galactic vibrations were ominously hinted at in the Sacred Etchings.

But Prime still had equal influence from the other Dij, and continued to privately share with each. Va was especially swayed by Recent, which bolstered vas already firm belief of Vaji superiority.

Reports continued to arrive, from the border Nests and Order ships exchanging with the W*Trikans, of escalating conflicts between and within their neighboring Empires. Information about the SSSouk’k incursion into the Domain was spotty and more rumor than fact, but had enough scent to make it worth seeking.

Information about the internal woes of W*Trik was more obvious, verifiable and easier obtained, but even that did not cause undue concerns with the nearly xenophobic Vaji. Each border Prime was acutely sensitive to any possible encroachments into their space, but otherwise merely gathered intelligence and passed it to First-Nest.

The Network returned to a semblance of the previous Harmony, but the shifting under-currents of discord continued to furtively eat away at the foundation of Unity. Then, abruptly, the feared crisis hit with full force.

The Prime of 3-9-3, a Nest deep in the Network on the far side of First-Nest from the W*Trik and SSSouk’k borders, reached a critical impasse. Vas Dij had become so acrimonious and derisive to each other that they could no longer function.

Despite entreaties by the Nest Time and Craft Hive-Primes, neither the Power nor the Order Hives were willing to send a replacement Dij to Join with the present Nest-Prime.

Hive-Primes were always solely comprised of that Hive’s Dij, while with any other Vaj any combination of Dij was acceptable. In contrast, a Nest-Prime could not, by tradition and functionality, exist without all four Hives represented within the Meld.

Alarmed attendants, with horrified certainty that their Nest-Prime was about to experience dissolution, ushered Prime into the Join room and assisted while frantic messages were sent to each Hive-Prime. Soon, Hive messengers arrived with transport cradles.

3-9-3 Nest-Prime made one last impassioned plea for Unity, but both the Power and Order Dij simply released connection. The Craft and Time Dij, with bleak recognition of reality, released their link. The Meld dissolved and a Vaj was no more.

All four Dij were transported to their respective Hives. With no Nest-Prime to guide Harmony, disorder began to spread around the Nest. Each Hive-Prime immediately began to implement Hive-specific protocols and procedures to enforce Hive autonomy, to safeguard from encroachment by other Hives.

Emergency pods – unique in color, texture and smell from all other pods and only used in the most drastic of circumstances – were sent to the Sector-Nest and First-Nest via hyper-hulls, from the Nest-Prime attendants. Each Hive-Prime also sent emergency pods to their respective Hive Over-Prime. The startling news of this dissolution quickly spread, reaching the surrounding Nests within hours.

First-Nest Over-Prime was briskly alerted by an attendant in the dark of pre-dawn morning four days later, when the emergency pod arrived. Va was informed that emergency pods had also been delivered to each of the Hive-Primes. Va roused the dormant Dij and made vas way to the message room, where va settled in front of the scent-wall.

Display, was all va said.

The message was brief and concise, and conveyed a sense of panic. When it was finished, Prime crouched in shocked silence. Each Dij also remained quiet, the implications for the Network dire in the extreme.

Over-Prime stayed hunched down for a long while, thoughts racing and with no recognition of the passage of time, until another attendant caught vas attention.

Prime, Time Hive-Prime is requesting to meet this morning.

This brought Prime to high alert and caused all four Dij to sharpen their attention. Hive-Primes never made personal visits to Over-Prime. As Over-Prime considered this highly unusual solicitation, yet another aide approached.

Prime, Order Hive-Prime is requesting a meeting as soon as possible.

As shock followed shock, Prime felt a surreal tug of disassociation spread its numbing tendrils over vas thoughts. The only sense from each Dij was complete and utter astonishment.

Prime swiftly tried to assess which would bring a greater risk to Unity and Harmony; agreeing to or disallowing these requests. As va pondered this, va predicted with grim amusement that in short order both Craft and Power Hive-Primes would also request meetings. Vas forecast was proven correct just a few lessers later.

This chain of events settled into a heavy burden onto Prime’s already stressed mental process. The strain was felt by each Dij, adding to their confusion and consternation. Deep within, hidden from the Dij, va wondered how long it would be before the criticism began, before the Dij would begin to accuse each other and their Hives of causing this disaster.

Doubts and uncertainty swirled. No plan of action seemed preferable over another. None appeared to be more likely or less likely to exasperate or calm this flood of rancor that va was certain was about to erupt.

Prime pulled vaself erect, and began to stalk from room to room. Va stood on the balcony and considered Over-Meet for a brief time, and then wandered to the court. Va paced slowly, drifting from one area of the Prime residence to another. Several attendants maintained a close watch, but kept their distance.

Prime was aware that tension was building within all four Dij, but none made a comment, either to each other or to va. This continued for more than a length, or hour, until finally Time Dij began a private conversation.

"Prime, we are in very tight trouble. You must be prepared to ignore tradition."

This thought startled Prime. Of all the Dij, Time would have been the last one va would have expected to make such a statement.

How can you contemplate this, answered Prime. "Time Hive is the keeper of tradition."

Yes, Time replied, "but survival is more important than convention. Your survival, and the health of the Network, must be maintained."

Time subsided into the Meld. Prime finally came to rest on the balcony, and looked out unseeing across Over-Meet. Va gently pulled each of the other three Dij, one by one, into focus and asked for their initial suggestions. None had more to offer other than alarm and insistence that Prime do something.

Prime sorted through what few options seemed to exist, for nearly another length. Finally, with a sense of desperation and feeling as if va was losing all control, va came to a decision.

Prime quickly counseled privately with each Dij; all agreed that there was nothing to lose. For the first time in Vaji history, Over-Prime would council with all Hive-Primes at once.

Va straightened and motioned an aide closer. Send a directive to all Hive-Primes; they will present themselves at afternoon mid-length, promptly. We will meet in the viewing court.

Yes, Prime. The attendant scurried away, hastening to obey. Relief was evident in all the attendants’ posture; finally, Prime was grasping the situation.

Prime, now that va had made a decision, felt some small easing of the tension that had been so tightly wound since the first few seconds of the emergency message. Still, the feeling of inevitable catastrophe continued to weigh heavy, and Prime had the disconcerting thought that events were quickly moving beyond vas ability to grasp them.

Despite Prime’s earlier concern about the Dij reactions, to vas profound relief they remained somewhat mute. Occasionally one or another would surface for a moment and ask either Prime or one of the other Dij a question, and then ease back into the Meld.

Prime stayed hunched on the balcony until sometime after mid-day. Va finally stirred and made vas way to the soak. I will need to be as relaxed and alert as possible, va thought. And I am still lost in a thicket of thorns.

When the time for the council arrived, Prime was resting in the court awaiting the Hive-Primes. Per earlier directives, all four were shown in at once. Their postures and tendril plaits indicated great distress and uncertainty. They were also aware of the significance of this extraordinary departure from tradition, and the magnitude of the crisis they all now beheld.

Prime waited until all had relaxed into their assigned places, escorted there by the attendants. Welcome. We all know that this is unprecedented. I ask for indulgence; we have no guidance on how we should proceed.

Over-Prime, we now grasp what I have been warning you about for many phases. Time Prime shivered a tentacle towards vas peers. And I have tried to caution each of you.

Quickly, before the others had a chance to respond, Craft Prime spoke. As I have, also. The Network is suddenly at very grave risk. Will you, va waved toward Order and Power Primes, now agree that we have a problem?

Power Prime rose, with a stiffness that was vaguely menacing. You would shiver at me? We have also tried to warn you, of your drifting from the paths of Unity, but now you would accuse us?

Over-Prime had a sudden feel of apprehension; perhaps this council was a poor decision. This will not heal what has already happened! We must not make it worse!

Order Prime also stood. Va pointed a tendril straight at Over-Prime, stiff and quivering. You also bear much of the responsibility. My messengers have tried repeatedly to advise about the waverings of Time and Craft Hives. We stand firm and strong; we do as we have always done. How can we be at fault?

By now all five Primes were standing, erect and taut. The attendants began to stir with alarm and discretely moved closer. The atmosphere in the court had become decidedly hostile.

"This is what I have been declaring, trumpeted Second Senior Dij within Over-Prime Meld. Recent and I have given clear advice. Now you see the folly of listening to faulty recommendations, now you see what comes of foolish ideas."

Senior and Second-Recent blasted back, over-riding Prime’s quick mental clamp. "We have warned and warned that this is coming; we wanted to deal with it, and now it is a disaster!"

Over-Prime felt again as if va was sliding down a cliff, nothing but unseen rocks and darkness far below. Va was dimly aware that Time Prime was speaking strenuously, raised to vas utmost height, straining upward on vas toes and waving tentacles forcefully.

Within, Over-Prime had lost control over the Dij, who were escalating viciously. The Meld was quaked by incessant shouts and strong emotional vibrations as the Dij descended into uncontrolled vitriolic accusations.

Ah! Ah!

The Hive-Primes stopped their accelerating confrontation in shock as they heard Over-Prime’s outcry. They turned their attention to va and watched as va slumped into a heap, tendrils and legs convulsing.

The attendants sprang into the group, pushing the Hive-Primes back and clustering around Over-Prime. Before they could do more than grab Over-Prime to raise va up, each Dij spontaneously released its link and lay on the floor, twitching.

The entire group fell silent and stood frozen, the enormity of the situation more than they could grasp. The Meld had dissolved, Over-Prime had suffered a Split. For the first time in all of remembered Vaji history, the Network had been set adrift, without the guidance of a First-Nest Over-Prime.

∞ ∞ ∞

Blood. There was blood everywhere; spurting red, squirting purple, jetting yellow. Singer screamed, blood spraying from his throat, hands straining up to the red-smeared sunrise, as Gene reached into a rainbow-swirled pool of blood, lifted a dripping broken body, and threw it over a cliff.

Falling, falling! Chaotic flashes of faces and childhood friends swirled and pulsed as screams grew louder and louder...Remember! Remember!

Billy jerked awake and sat up, his body tingling from shock. He stared into Lisa’s sleep drowsy eyes as she lifted herself onto one elbow to face him.

A bad one, huh?

Billy blew out a slow breath and mutely nodded. Oh, yeah, he husked, after another exhalation. They’re sure not getting any better.

Lisa gently pushed him onto his back and snuggled against him, her face burrowed into his neck and her left arm draped across his chest. I’m here, Hon. Let it go. Do what you tell me to do when I have a bad night. That’s all we can do. Just hold me and let it go. We’ve got each other, that’s enough.

Billy closed his eyes and consciously began to ease tense muscles. He rolled his head against Lisa’s and controlled his breathing. His heart, still hammering, began to slow as he relaxed into her and lifted his left arm onto her shoulder.

Lisa softly kissed his neck as she felt him relax. That’s better. When you feel up to it, we might as well get up. It’s getting light, and neither of us is going back to sleep. But, she murmured against his throat, I’m in no hurry.

The last of the tension eased away. Billy, eyes still closed, heard the sounds of the wakening camp rise outside of their shelter. He turned his thoughts to Lisa, almost desperate in his desire to push away the last lingering images. He concentrated on her scent and the soft feel of her breath on his neck, then turned slightly toward her in a soft embrace. They held each other in silence, enjoying the shared warmth.

Nearly a half-hour later, they stepped out of the shelter and stood in the bright early-morning sun. Without a word they walked toward the dining area, hand-in-hand.

Two Fist troops, one SSSouk’k and one W*Trikan, fell in behind the couple, keeping a discrete distance. Deference to The Prophet was shown by every person they passed, casually but with deep sincerity.

Despite Billy’s initial strong protest, An’k`la’k was adamant about a constant Fist presence for the Prophet. J’ko’k, when Billy pressured him to command the Fist Claw to remove the guards, merely clicked once, his eyes glittering with amusement. Billy finally admitted defeat when Lisa sided with An’k`la’k.

Red and Tali were about to enter the dining compound, when Red saw Billy and Lisa approaching. Tali, hold up.

Tali grinned, teeth gleaming. I still think strange talk. What is ‘hold up’?

Red chuckled. It means to wait.

A pidgin had developed among the main group of Terrans, SSSouk’k and W*Trikans. It consisted of a base of the W*Trikan language, intermingled with human and SSSouk’k words and gestures. The resulting mish-mash was becoming more distinct from all three languages every day. The ease and efficiency of spontaneous communication increased quickly, as this patois developed at a rapid pace.

Oh, ho, my friends. Tali’s greeting was warm and held a spark of the carefree joy that he had invariably shown before the battle that had destroyed the Frolchiat and decimated its crew. Now there was a persistent under-vein of grim soberness, a constant companion that threatened to never leave.

Tali, Red. Lisa threw her arms around Tali in a tight squeeze. He returned her embrace slightly tighter and longer than he would have previously. For a moment, they held foreheads together.

Hey, Red. Billy slapped Red’s shoulder. So, today’s the day.

Red smiled. That’s what I hear.

It’s been a long week; if we’re going to do this, I’ll be glad when we get going.

Tali flipped his upper. Has this Captain told you yet, where we are to go?

The group started walking toward the serving lines. Billy shook his head, glancing at Tali. No, nobody’s seen him since the night he got here. Kheel and Gla say that they could make a guess, but really don’t know much.

As the four entered the growing meal line it melted away, leaving the way clear for The Prophet. Despite Billy’s irritation at this special favor, the people, with quiet and gentle humor, ignored his loud repudiation and continued in their single-minded deference. Here, too, he had acknowledged defeat and accepted their decision with wry grace.

As they sat and ate, talking quietly, the noise level around them increased rapidly as the last of the camp awoke and the arduous task of dismantling the remaining shelters began. The day’s first shuttle launched in the distance, taking the first load of cargo and passengers to the awaiting ships in orbit around Va*Kin.

Royal Milanghoa, soon after Billy’s fateful decision to take the remnant population of Va*Kin with him, had sent a Royal Urgent ping demanding any and all available ships, with an emphasis for passenger vessels. Within a day ships began to arrive, singly and in convoys. They ran the gamut from severely-damaged and barely-serviceable battle survivors to large entourages of Royals fleeing overwhelming Chaos fleets.

Two massive Royal war fleets arrived, one on the third day after Hoa’s appeal went out and one on the fifth. Each held over a thousand ships and their presence brought a tangible sense of relief to the battered population. Still, everyone knew that the dreaded Chaos fleet, no longer rumor but verified fact, was many times the size of this burgeoning Royal armada.

The Chaos force was squarely between this part of the Domain and the rest of the warring Empire, blocking Royal Milanghoa’s desire to join his embattled forces. Its arrival was imminent, fueling the already frenzied preparations to leave.

As the ships gathered at Va*Kin, information poured in of continuing battles throughout the Royal Domain. The Royals were being pressed hard, but had also achieved some significant victories. Success was by no means assured for either side, and the struggle promised to engulf the entire Domain, perhaps for decades.

And now enough ships had arrived to transport the entire surviving population. Sometime in the next few hours, the last person and the final crate of necessary materials would be aboard a ship. A strange mixture of festive anticipation and fearful anxiety coursed through the people, laughter ringing out one minute and sobs the next.

Billy was sitting quietly, only picking at his food, when his comm pinged. He lifted it and answered. Hi, Kheel.

Prophet. Good morning. Hoa would like your presence, please. Is The Emissary with you?

No. Just Lisa, Red and Tali.

Very well, I will contact him. I will see you soon, she ended. Just so you will know, Chia and Gla are here with me.

All right. Billy shut the comm off. He looked at his companions. Kheel said that Hoa wants me. I think we should all go. He squeezed Lisa’s hand. At this point, I would just as soon that everybody stayed together.

Red nodded. Yeah, fine with me. He looked at Tali. You should stick with us from now on.

Tali grinned again. Strange talk. Yes, I will ‘stick’ with you.

As one they stood and started walking toward Hoa’s Royal shelter. They walked slowly, enabling Red to keep up with them. He was still weak from his injuries, and Tali stayed close by his side.

Lisa pinged Amy. Amy. Good morning.

Hi, Lis. What’s up?

We’re on the way to see Hoa; Kheel said he wants to talk to us. Billy thinks we should all get together and stay together from now on.

All right. Lisa heard muffled talking, then Amy returned. Brian’s here; he agrees. We’ll head that way.

Kheel and Chia were laughing quietly at something Gla had said when Billy and his group entered the grassy courtyard outside of the Royal meeting shelter.  Morning greetings, smiles and light hugs were exchanged. The Prophet’s Fist escort retreated to a spot just outside of the courtyard entrance.

Only a minute or so passed before Brian and Amy arrived. They were also greeted warmly.

J’ko’k arrived moments later. He strode up to Billy, thumped his Clan-sash and flipped his muzzle up in a sign of high respect. Then he patted Billy’s shoulder, a most un-SSSouk’k-like gesture.

Prophet, good morning.

Billy smiled, aware of the incongruity of he and J’ko’k developing such a close relationship. It was more than friends and hard to explain to anyone else. He lightly bumped his chest with his right fist and then laid his palm on J’ko’k’s shoulder. Emissary, good morning.

J’ko’k turned to the others gathered around and hissed, while making a sweeping wave of his right arm. By now, everyone recognized this particular hiss as a sign of intimate respect and pleasure at their presence.

Well, now we are all here. Kheel turned to an aide standing by the shelter entrance. Please inform Royal W*Trik Milanghoa that we await his summons.

When the aide returned, he ushered the group into the small meeting room. Hoa was directly in front of them, near his Royal dais, with his upper raised in welcome. Off-World Captain stood quietly to one side. He continued to exude the shimmering here-not here quality that had so disconcerted them at his first appearance, but otherwise stood silent and still. He had morphed into a somewhat more human-looking aspect than when he had first arrived.

On that first night, shortly after Billy had agreed to follow his guidance, Off-World Captain had requested to be notified when The Prophet was prepared to leave. He had given them a small beacon to activate and had then returned to his ship. The ship had remained in synchronous orbit above the camp, guarded by two W*Trikan Probes, and Off-World Captain had not been seen again until now.

Good morning, my friends, Hoa said with an informal flip of his upper. This is the day that we have awaited. He looked at Off-World Captain. Captain, we will be ready to leave soon, and now all we need is to know where we are going. He looked back at Billy. Prophet, I put our fate in your grip.

Billy felt a tremor inside. Despite trying to prepare for this moment, anxious hesitation kept him silent for a moment. The burden of responsibility never really left anymore, but now the full weight dropped on his shoulders.

Lisa, well aware of Billy’s trepidation, laid a hand on his forearm. "This is it, Billy. It’s what you have to do. It’s what we have to do."

Billy, suddenly aware that he had been holding his breath, puffed out a gentle snort through his nose. He sent a quick gaze around at his companions and saw nothing except calm resolution. He turned to Off-World Captain and walked across the short distance between them. He stopped when he was directly in front of the spectral being.

Off-World Captain.

Prophet. You are ready to follow.

Yes. So, how do we do this?

Prophet, you will come with me.

Yes, Billy repeated. Where do we go?

Only The Prophet will come with me.

Billy shook his head. If you know who and what I am, then you know I can’t leave these others.

I must show you where to go.

Billy pursed his lips. I understand. But, he insisted, everyone here is going with us, and they need to know where to go.

Yes. You must come with me; I will show you the Path.

Billy furrowed his brow, looked back at his friends. He locked eyes with Lisa for a moment and then turned back to Captain. Do you mean, he said slowly, that I must go to your ship, learn where we are going, and then come back here to show them?

Yes. The Prophet must follow me.

How many of my friends, Billy turned slightly and indicated those behind him, can come with us?

Only The Prophet may be with Off-World Ship.

Billy stared at him for a moment, eyes hard and unflinching. Then he swung around without another word and returned to his friends. Did you hear?

Yeah, Brian answered, we heard.

Well, what do you all think? I really don’t like the idea of going with this guy. I don’t want to leave you. He looked at Lisa, and then at the others. What’s your thoughts?

I don’t know, said Amy, with a doubtful tone. Maybe you have to do this, but I don’t like it.

Lisa spoke up, clearly. I don’t want you to go, not to his ship without me. We don’t know if we can trust him or not.

Of all times, thought Billy, to not have my vision kick in. He turned to face Kheel. Out of everyone here, you probably have a better understanding of what needs to be done, of what this is all about.

Kheel flared her nostrils, tightened her lips and clenched her right hands together. "I am sorry, Prophet, I have no understanding and no suggestion other than you must do what you consider the correct path. She closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them and leaned closer. She looked deep, twin-pupils staring into black eyes. I want to help, but I have none to offer."

Red spoke up. Maybe we can just go to SSSouk’k. If this Captain takes you away, who knows what will happen.

No! Everyone turned toward J’ko’k in surprise at his explosive comment. If we go to SSSouk’k they will fight without talk. They will kill all. He turned a baleful glare upon Off-World Captain. The Prophet and the Warrior Emissary must not be separated.

Billy’s stomach clenched to a hard knot. "There is no way we are going to the SSSouk’k, whether they would kill us or not."

Prophet. Hoa’s quiet word pulled all eyes to him. "You must find out where this Captain will lead us. You have no other choice, we have no other choice; we have nowhere to go and the Chaos fleet is coming. If we stay, we die. This is not trust, this is our only chance."

Billy heaved a sigh. I’m going outside for a moment. Everyone, leave me alone for a minute. He held a hand out. Lisa, just you.

Lisa took his hand without a word, and they walked outside. Billy stared at the nearby mountains, beautiful in the morning light, and studied the wisps of smoke still rising from the ruins of Kho-Tai.

I don’t know what to do, Lis. He shook his head. Man, if only Singer and Gene were here, they always helped me think things through.

I know, Billy; I miss ‘em, too.

There’s no way I’m leaving you, but if I don’t we’ll all probably die. He smiled painfully. Except I know, out of all of us, that I won’t die. Not here and now, anyway.

Suddenly, Lisa knew, with a knowing as solid as any she had ever felt. Billy. Lisa cupped his face in her hands. You’ve got to go. You might be back in ten minutes, we just don’t know. Push to have me go, too, but in the end, one way or another, you have to go.

Billy started to shake his head. No, I won’t –

Billy! Lisa pulled his face close hers, eye to eye. It’s about more than you and me. What about all those millions, Billy? All our people the lizards have? If we all die here, they’re done. You, she emphasized, you are our only chance. She pressed her forehead against his. I don’t understand any of this. I never have from the start. We’ve just been doin’ the best we can. And now, she said, lifting her head and putting her hands on his shoulders, it’s time to just do the best you can, one more time.

Lisa clamped down on her fear amid a sinking feeling deep inside, with an iron self-control that she had never suspected that she possessed. She was certain that if Billy noticed even the smallest hint of just how desperate she was to never leave his side again, he would risk the destruction of everything to stay.

Despite Lisa’s strong words, Billy was still uncertain. His every instinct screamed to never leave her, to never risk losing her again. He wondered if he actually had a subconscious hint to not trust Off-World Captain, or whether he was just scared to leave Va*Kin without Lisa, even if only for a few minutes.

You’re right. Billy stared at the mountains. I don’t like it, but I have to do this. He wrapped her hand in both of his. Let’s go see if you can go with me.

All conversation stopped when Billy and Lisa re-entered the room, every eye turned toward him. He simply patted Lisa’s back as she joined the others, and then he walked to Off-World Captain.

How long will I be on your ship?

We will follow the Current, and you will see your Path.

Billy turned with a scowl toward Kheel and raised his hands in frustration. I don’t have a clue what he is talking about.

Kheel looked at Gla, and motioned for hnt to follow her. As they neared, Kheel spoke. Billy, she said, "he does not see time as we do. For him, and the Keepers of Time, it is